@@SOLE2SOUL Thoroughly enjoyed it !!! A Carol Burnet video popped up a few weeks ago, I grew up watching her so I watched it "for old times sake". I've been watching them everyday now. 😜 Lol. They make me happy. This is hands down my favorite thus far. LOVED IT !!! 💕
@@aliannarodriguez1581 the production staff met on Mondays each week and the complete show was taped on Fridays. They had an audience for what they called "dress rehearsal" and a second audience for the "show". Sometimes they cut and pasted the show from each taping. Vocal music, especially where dancing was involved, were pre-recorded on Thursday evenings.
The Burnett show consistently did these great film tributes and did them with humor, wit, style and class. The talent on that show was tremendous -- writing, singing, acting, dancing. We have nothing remotely like this on TV today.
Wow. Speaking as a former pro tap dancer myself, Ken Berry clearly made a study of Astaire, must have been his idol. He not only has his dance style down, but also his vocal and hand mannerisms. Excellent impersonation!
If you search RUclips you can find a superb video of him when he was in still in the Army. There are a few stunts in his tap dance routine I have never seen astaire do. I remember F troop where as Captain Parameter he occasionally broke into song or dance. Certainly as good as Donald O'Conner I think. He (and Carol Burnett) we among the last who studied/learned to be triple treats. Dick Van Dyke another one. Theatre people still do, but these days not so much movies and TV.
I thought similar; I just watched a Fred Astair compilation and the whole air - the lightness of mood and movement - seems to really fit. What I know about tap dancing would fit into a tea spoon and still have elbow room, but it looks really, really good and even I can spot the characteristics of Fred Astair.
From "Astaire"s (Ken Berry's) very first entrance, before he even looked up to see his face: the little swagger, the lilt in his toes, the wiggle of his top-hatted head as he walked: pure Astaire! Whoever choreographed the dance in the hotel room managed to include so many signature dance steps from many different Astaire sequences into a single number! And Berry performed them all so well! (Nobody is Astaire himself, but he did great!) And the little Astaire tremolos in the singing: spot on. I'm a huge Astaire fan, seen his classic films *so* many times. I'm just a little too young (b.1978) to have seen the Carol Burnett Show when it was on, but have thoroughly enjoyed any and all re-runs and videos of that wonderful show. This one's new to me, though! Bravo, everyone!
You talking about how you were born too late to watch the show made me think of my absolute fondest, most indelible memory of it: the fact that it came on around or past my bedtime when I was little, and when my brother would babysit, he would tell me I could only stay up to watch it if I could stay awake. Oh, how I remember fighting my eyelids with all my might, hoping he wouldn't notice them group, only to have him comment on it almost instantly, "Whoop, that's it, off to bed!"
I knew that Carol Burnett could sing, what I didn't know what the dance and singing talent that Ken Berry had. The best impersonation of Fred Astaire I've ever seen. Carol is such a talent too. Too bad that this amazing cast lost another member today.
Ken Berry was a dancer before he made Mayberry R. F. D. and "F Troop" even while he was in the army in 1951-52. He always dreamed of being in musicals like his idols Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. I'm sure he enjoyed this skit immensely.
I didn't realize the Carol Burnett show did such elaborate skits. The set, costumes, comedic timing and dancing were superb -- especially for a weekly show.
Wow. Ken Berry is such an underappreciated talent. He imitated Fred so well. Before this, I didn't know he could sing or dance. I knew he was a great actor, but that's all. I didn't realize how amazing he really is.❤️
In his day, all the actors and actresses had to sing and dance. They were expected to be well-rounded in their profession and the more they could do, the more work was available.
I first recalled Carol Burnett from "Princess and the Pea", and I was truly memorized by her talent and comedic routine. She will reign as one of the all time great comedians the like of which Hollywood will never see again.
Last role my spouse saw Ms Carol Burnett in was in Better Call Saul. In the end she arrests Saul. Spouse said she had not lost any of her skills in acting (though this role was not a comedy).
In the «Carol Burnett Show», the care and attentions given to details and costumes showed class and talent from, not only the artists we enjoyed watching, but also the whole crew working in the backstage for the success of each episode. That whole teamwork from all those performers in front and back of the camera, proved the tremendous respect towards the appreciation of the public.
Couldn't agree more. They somehow managed to capture the style of the movies, and it feels like a benevolent parody - not being mean, but a lovely mix of poking fun and admiring. like everybody involved really liked those classic movies.
Outstanding! Not only first-rate performances all around (Ken Berry was spot-on) but it's amazing how the writers were able to create songs that both parodied and paid homage to the great Gershwin and Berlin songs of the films. RIP Tim Conway, in a minor part here, but always memorable.
the writer was great pianist Stan Freeman--who later had a long running one man show of Oscar Levant [AT WIT'S END]. He composed songs and Broadway Musicals, too. Stan won an Emmy for this skit for his songs and writing.
Another charming touch was the Art Deco typeface used for a "caption.'" It fitted right in with the decor. And the gondola stopping just right to frame the two actors at the table. The double staircase was from "Swing Time," and the feathery costume from "Top Hat," along with the Venice setting. Now I need to watch it again and again to spot all the other references!
Don't know if you're still an active account here on Utube, but for anyone interested, I totally agree that the lyrics are so spot on. So I looked up the musical arranger for this number, and found out that there were indeed kudos to the people responsible. Here's what it says in IMDb: Stan Freeman, 1978 Winner - Primetime Emmy, Outstanding Achievement in Special Musical Material The Carol Burnett Show For the mini-musical "Hi-Hat" (episode on 8 January 1978) Shared with: Arthur Malvin Both men have passed away, but they earned their Emmys by writing one of the most entertaining, classy production numbers on a comedy/variety show I've ever seen. And I grew up with all of them!
This was 1-derful, a loving tribute to those elegant Astaire-Rogers classics with the funny touch of Burnett & company !!! Ken Berry was excellent, the camera crew colaborated with his homage to Fred dancing on the wall a la Royal Wedding at 12:15 and Roddy was a perfect Edward Everett Horton. Bob Mackie's beautiful creations on Carol, Vicky and the dancing ladies captured the glamour of the era. Sensational, Great performace by the entire cast, fenomenal writing and directing, lavish production !!! Blessings from San Juan PR !!!
Fred and Ginger would have loved it. They had me at "getting your garlic blessed..." A great interpretation of Top Hat. Hats off to the writers. Should have been longer though.I enjoyed every minute of it !😁😁😁😀
This particular skit is one of my favorites in the whole Carol Burnett Show; in the latter seasons, Ken Berry and Roddy McDowell appeared just frequently enough that they were semi-regulars. Having them BOTH with Carol, Vicki, Tim, and Harvey in this skit was absolutely phenomenal.
The Burnett show gave Americans a real taste of what the theatrical form of Review was really all about. It featured handsomely mounted production number, satirical parody and classic sketch comedy. There will never be another program like it.
This was from a time when everyone sang, danced and acted, not just sat on their backends and pretended to do something. Ken did a great job imitating Fred Astaire, and Roddy's imitation of Everet Edward Horton was brilliant. Wonder how many times they watched the movies to do that. Miss them very much.
@@bnic9471 Nope. I've worked hard for every penny I have, and since I work in the non-profit sector, where we care about actually helping people as opposed to selling them crap they don't need, trust me...every penny counts. But nice try attempting to make a broad, baseless assumption.
Brilliant all-'round! I think back when I took the talent and brilliance of the Carol Burnett show for granted. I look back now in awe. Ingenious references to a number of Astaire movies, plots, songs and dance moves (including how they were filmed, as in rotating room from "Easter Parade").
Ken Berry as Astaire was perfect I had never heard of him (Then I am English) but from being 8 years old I saw every Astaire film that was ever made.....I am now 78 how I miss all the Hollywood good old talent , no bad language in those days....xxxxx just pure talent.....xxxxxx
Watching this, one gets the impression that celebrities were much more talented than they are now-a-days. I know Carol was multi-talented. The same w/ Vickie who could sing quite well. Very impressed with Ken Berry. I never knew that he could sing & dance. Roddy McDowell, a very talented actor held his own with the singing. I wonder, who the gondolier was? All in all, there is a load of talent [and a lot of work] sandwiched into that 20 minutes.
Ken Berry completely shocks me! He really studied the Astaire walk, mannerisms, and vocal styling. I'm super impressed! I had no idea he could sing and dance. I feel now that his talents were very ill-used over the years. Everyone did a great job! Such fun!
Ken studied dance with Louis DaPron (Donald O'Connor's choreographer) and Al White. And won a talent contest when he was in the Army for his dancing (and singing) talents (in the mid 1950s)... ruclips.net/video/ud9n2rVcnfc/видео.html Here is a quote from Ken about his love of Fred Astaires' dancing talents... "Fred Astaire was my big hero. As Gene Kelly articulated it, 'He's a phenomenon.' No human body has ever been able to move like that. I don't think people now really appreciate that fact--that there has never been a human being who moved like that. I've never seen anything like it in my life and I don't think any of us ever will. I know just enough about dance to know how impossible it is to do what he did. It's a really 'sweat' job, the hard work. When it comes to dance, nobody has ever touched him before or since." ... although I think Ken under-estimated his own talents in that statement as he certainly does come very very close... tagsrwc.com/the_ebullet/remembering-ken-berry/
II was also blown away by Berry. Thanks to the folks who provided more info about him. I agree that he was probably very under-appreciated in his time.Also, kudos to everyone who created this brilliant, funny and spot-on spoof of the genre!
Ken's wife Jackie Joseph a comedic actress got her start as a dancer. That is how they met, I'm guessing. Ken Berry came along way too late. He would have been big thirty years earlier.. He was a phenomenal 1930&40's style tapper.
I may be able to claim distinction as the youngest commenter here who can say: I love Astair and Rogers, all of these impersonations were absolutely spot on, and this show is amazing! I'm 25.
In addition to everyone else's praise for the excellent cast, costumes and set, I have to sing the praises of the writers and choreographers. The dialog, music, lyrics and staging are so clever and spot on. There's a gem in every line for Astaire-Rogers or Berlin fans. Thanks for posting!
This is not a very healthy love relationship. It starts off with them hating each other, and then she abuses him by hitting him. Then he gets infatuated with her (a form of obsession). Then he sees her in a compromising position with almost no clothes on; this causes her to be scared but then lust after him. However she is also mad and scared because she thinks he is married and she thinks he is a peeping tom who came in her room on purpose to see her unclothed who wanted to do something like rape her. Then she is really uncomfortable/scared when she sees him again and tries to tell her aunt that she and her aunt are in danger from this "cad" and does not know what to do when the aunt blows her off. So she is confused. Then she gets forced by the aunt to dance with him thinking she's helping him cheat on her aunt which makes her feel guilty and responsible for his behavior even though it would have been his own fault if he actually was a peeping tom and not hers. She seems to want a monogamous relationship for herself, but it is stated over and over that he is a playboy and she can't expect that. So she agrees to a marriage that she expects to be monogamous even though she is marrying a playboy for the main reason of lust and infatuation and fear. They don't actually know anything about each other. They have not connected on a spiritual or intellectual level. They do not have romance and they haven't fallen in love. They danced together, but that is still part of a physical relationship. This is a relationship that is doomed because it is not based on love and intellectual compatibility. Humans are not just physical beings with physical desires. There is a lot more to us than that. Also it is pretty clear that both of them are acting in abusive ways towards each other. Calling each other names is actually a form of verbal abuse. It is bullying. When my bullies called me names at school I didn't make the mistake to think they loved me. I knew they hated me, which they showed with their actions of hitting me, like she hits him, and slamming me into the lockers. Anyway, I expect if two people like them who already abuse each other have kids, the kids are gonna get violently beaten, like how my grandparents who loved this sort of music and philosophy of life did to me and their own kids. So it really isn't family friendly. True love is though. I have PTSD now and am in therapy because of the domestic violence that seems to have started with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, which was seen by my grandparents and shown to me too on their videos as a model. Once my grandparents saw this verbally and physically abusive model of these tap dancers, they inflicted violence on each other and their own kids which made my mom severely abusive to me, and that didn't stop my grandparents from also abusing me too. So we need to overcome the old ways of deciding to marry based on fear and lust, and spend years getting to know someone intellectually and emotionally and give ourselves time to fall in love before getting married. I'm also a fan of celibacy before marriage and monogamy in marriage. The playboy lifestyle ends up hurting a lot of women emotionally and physically as well as their kids who have no dad (because he's a deadbeat playboy who could care less if the kids are dead, due to him having so many of them). I'm a fan of staying celibate even if you don't end up marrying anyone. I just really love celibacy. People hate me because of this and have raped me to try and stop me from being celibate. But since rape isn' a choice and celibacy is, I remain celibate and I don't think I lost my celibacy while blood was gushing from me during the rape attacks. Did I lose blood? Yes. Did I lose celibacy? No. I've still got it. I always have had it. :) Respecting people's boundaries like giving them privacy to be alone when their naked or semi-naked because of changing clothes or bathing and not forcing them to dance or be touched or hit is helpful to build a loving relationship. We need to respect each others privacy and bodies. Also, the words we use to build our relationships should be kind and loving, not hateful or judgmental like *all* their words were in the first song. Why be so harsh and cutting when you can uplift and inspire people? This leads to a better society with more love in it and less hate. I think we all want that. :)
@@lemurlover7975 I didn't make it through your long comment but I really hope it was meant to be a joke. Otherwise I agree with brunnhilde, you need some help. Quick.
Ken Berry can certainly croon, I detected a bit of Bing Crosby in his voice. Sick and tired of zombies, blood, guts, and gore on television. Give me good old fashion musicals and I will start going back to the theatre again.
I read that Fred Astaire hated the original white dress Ginger Rogers wore in Top Hat because it kept shedding feathers during the dance scene, forcing them to keep filming takes in hopes of getting a "clean" one.
That's a makeover of the original "Cheek-to-cheek" dress Ginger wore. Years ago I saw it at the Met Gala. The original does not exist anymore or could not be obtained, but was considered so important for the exhibit it was one of the few that was recreated for the "Romantic and Glamorous Hollywood Design" Exhibit that Diana Vreeland put on. I saw the curtain dress, the Ascot dress worn by Hepburn, the Gilda dress - it was probably the most impressive exhibit I've ever seen in my life put on in 1974 - they have B&W photos on the Metropolitan Museum site if you look for them.The amazing thing is, that most people do NOT know, the original was SKY BLUE, not white. And absolutely breathtaking. It was my favorite dress in the entire exhibit.
Carol was obsessed with Golden Age musicals. She told Vanity Fair this year that her unfulfilled dream was being able to dance like Eleanor Powell. If she had been middle-aged in the great days, she would have been a natural for the parts Edna May Oliver, Charlotte Greenwood or Helen Broderick took.
Oh, those were the days. I remember shows like hers on TV all the time, and they were fabulous. Too bad that time is gone, never to return. Thanks for bringing this back, even if you published it in 2012 and I'm just seeing it now, nearly six years later.
Roddy McDowell did a spot on Edward Everett Horton, the male companion and/or manager to Astair in so many of these movies. I always knew Ken Barry was a dancer but had no idea he could do Astaire so brilliantly. Loved the Carol Burnett show, she was brilliant herself.
I just love how much work everybody i this show must have invested to create such a good imitation - the (excuse for a) plot, the choice of characters, the set, and of course the dancing are spot on. The beauty of it isn't just that it makes it that much more entertaining. It also shows love and respect for the originals; it's both a spoof and a homage.
I only wish the Fred & Ginger films were coloured as in this show. All those glorious ladies' fashions just in black & white. Only praise for the dancing and singing though!
Fantastic ! One of my favorite Fred & Ginger movies ......TOP HAT...hilarious. ken Berryis quite the dancer here (who knew)?? Back in the day when women really knew how to dress w finesse. I've been to Venice many times ( but never thought to have my garlic blessed in San Marco Square) i really enjoyed this, thanks for sharing, now I got to go show all my friends,
Wow! That was great! I never saw that episode...I always liked Ken Berry, but I didn't know he made such a good crooner! Great dancer, too! It was nice to see Roddy McDowell, too! Nicely choreographed, as always Carol and Vicki were fantastic! Everyone did GREAT! Thanks for the video😀
Oh, were we lucky to enjoy seeing talents like these? This delightful work...the talents of all (particularly the gifted Ken Berry), and even the 'knock-off songs (no small feat) are a joy. The 'good old days' paying homage to the REAL 'good old days'!!!!!
I think Carol Burnett looks a lot like Kate Goslin with that hair style. Especially with her wide eyed gazes at the camera. Of course, Burnett has talent to go along with the looks. Ken Berry to was also a terrific talent. I’ve always enjoyed his singing and dancing. Wow!
Je viens de passer un excellent moment ! Hilarant et d'une qualité sans égale, un plaisir pour les amoureux de Fred et Ginger. Je découvre le génie de Carole Burnett et de toute l'équipe qui l'entourait, incroyable !
I loved the Bob Mackie dresses and costumes she wore. I don't know how much distortion is involved but she Carol looks 6'2" in that blue suit. I love it. I also never knew Berry was a hoofer.
Just heard Tim Conway passed away a few days ago. Rest in Peace, Mr. Conway. I love Ken Berry in this. He is amazing. I never knew. I remember him from Mayberry.
Huge Carol Burnett fan and top hat is my favorite movie of all time. I have no memory of this episode though. My eyes about popped when it came up and I saw the description. How cool that they chose to create this piece as a tribute to this amazing era in film and this perfect film in particular. Roddy McDowell had the Horace character down cold... and I also had no idea Ken Berry had those skills. And of course the duo of Vicki and Carol - amazing as always. Thanks for sharing this great clip!
THANK YOU so much for bringing us this great memory! I've been watching some of these episodes and can't laugh any harder. Carol Burnett and all cast members ARE just so fabulous, so called "funny" shows now are simply NOT!
This was great, entertaining, funny to watch. FIrst there's Carol Burnett... she acts, she sings, she dances and she's funny. Tim Conway... he acts and does pratfalls, imitation, and is really funny , has great comic timing, one liners and punchlines. Vicky Lawrence.... She acts, she sings, she dances, and is a commediane, also does great deadpan acting. Ken Berry.... I didn't even know this about him.....he acts, he sings, he dances, and he's a commedian. I've never until now have seen him sing and dance. He's pretty good. He did a good job emulating Fred Astaire, his voice, his posture, I can't say enough. I watched the Carol Burnett show forever and I've never seen this skit before. Kudos. Im going to watch it again.....
Roddy McDowell's impersonation of Edward Everett Horton was amazing.
He was always my favorite guest star.
It is like his ghost came back for the show!!
I was trying to think of the name of the actor he was doing. So funny.
Yes! I don't think I'd ever seen anyone do an impression of Edward Everett Horton before!
This was written by Artie Malvin & Stan Freeman. They won the Emmy for this mini-musical.
Very well deserved, the songs are brilliant musical parodies and hilarious. I take it you must be a relative of Artie.
@@SOLE2SOUL Thoroughly enjoyed it !!! A Carol Burnet video popped up a few weeks ago, I grew up watching her so I watched it "for old times sake". I've been watching them everyday now. 😜 Lol. They make me happy. This is hands down my favorite thus far. LOVED IT !!! 💕
How long did it take to develop and rehearse this? Learning the dance steps alone must have been a major project.
@@aliannarodriguez1581 the production staff met on Mondays each week and the complete show was taped on Fridays. They had an audience for what they called "dress rehearsal" and a second audience for the "show". Sometimes they cut and pasted the show from each taping. Vocal music, especially where dancing was involved, were pre-recorded on Thursday evenings.
Wow. Thanks for inside scoop
The Burnett show consistently did these great film tributes and did them with humor, wit, style and class. The talent on that show was tremendous -- writing, singing, acting, dancing. We have nothing remotely like this on TV today.
True
Agreed
But who played her partner? A pleasantly passable singer, and really good dancer!
@@nicholashodsdon7272 - Ken Berry. He was also famous at the time as the star of F-Troop.
What about the costumes? Real fashion!!
Carol Burnett had one of the greatest variety shows on television. Fun, class, clean.
Did you catch their "Gone with the Wind" ??? Hilarious.
I agree
Not _entirely_ clean. It was the 1970s, after all.
Wow. Speaking as a former pro tap dancer myself, Ken Berry clearly made a study of Astaire, must have been his idol. He not only has his dance style down, but also his vocal and hand mannerisms. Excellent impersonation!
If you search RUclips you can find a superb video of him when he was in still in the Army. There are a few stunts in his tap dance routine I have never seen astaire do. I remember F troop where as Captain Parameter he occasionally broke into song or dance. Certainly as good as Donald O'Conner I think. He (and Carol Burnett) we among the last who studied/learned to be triple treats. Dick Van Dyke another one. Theatre people still do, but these days not so much movies and TV.
Roddy McDowell does a pretty great Edward Everett Horton
@berkeleybernie. Yes, Ken Berry surely did Fred Astaire justice. Personally, I think Mr. Berry was a highly underrated talent.
I thought similar; I just watched a Fred Astair compilation and the whole air - the lightness of mood and movement - seems to really fit.
What I know about tap dancing would fit into a tea spoon and still have elbow room, but it looks really, really good and even I can spot the characteristics of Fred Astair.
It was uncanny! I had no idea Ken Berry was this talented!
Ken Berry was wonderful. So underrated. Truly a song and dance man.
I loved him.
From "Astaire"s (Ken Berry's) very first entrance, before he even looked up to see his face: the little swagger, the lilt in his toes, the wiggle of his top-hatted head as he walked: pure Astaire!
Whoever choreographed the dance in the hotel room managed to include so many signature dance steps from many different Astaire sequences into a single number! And Berry performed them all so well! (Nobody is Astaire himself, but he did great!)
And the little Astaire tremolos in the singing: spot on.
I'm a huge Astaire fan, seen his classic films *so* many times.
I'm just a little too young (b.1978) to have seen the Carol Burnett Show when it was on, but have thoroughly enjoyed any and all re-runs and videos of that wonderful show. This one's new to me, though! Bravo, everyone!
Royal Wedding. A classic.
You talking about how you were born too late to watch the show made me think of my absolute fondest, most indelible memory of it: the fact that it came on around or past my bedtime when I was little, and when my brother would babysit, he would tell me I could only stay up to watch it if I could stay awake. Oh, how I remember fighting my eyelids with all my might, hoping he wouldn't notice them group, only to have him comment on it almost instantly, "Whoop, that's it, off to bed!"
As a Hungarian, I also love Fred Astaire, I loved him because of him and I learned to tap through his videos. 😊
Ken Berry could have been another Fred Astaire. Such talent and potential, hidden and underexploited. This whole sketch was wonderful.
I never knew that he had such a mellow singing voice either.
I had no idea he could dance like that!
The voice!
What's so sad is that this excellent entertainment is not appreciated today.
Ken Berry was a dancdr from a young age..and could sing..quite talented
I knew that Carol Burnett could sing, what I didn't know what the dance and singing talent that Ken Berry had. The best impersonation of Fred Astaire I've ever seen. Carol is such a talent too. Too bad that this amazing cast lost another member today.
Brian Savage
He began as a dancer
The way Ken Berry does that "Fred Astaire Walk" entrance is truly genius and fully captures Fred perfectly!
Hear, hear! I thought for a second it WAS Fred! Wonderful man and super homage to the main man.
Ken Berry was a dancer before he made Mayberry R. F. D. and "F Troop" even while he was in the army in 1951-52. He always dreamed of being in musicals like his idols Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. I'm sure he enjoyed this skit immensely.
I didn't realize the Carol Burnett show did such elaborate skits. The set, costumes, comedic timing and dancing were superb -- especially for a weekly show.
I always watched the CB show but I didn’t remember how extraordinary the skits were. Thankful for RUclips!
Wow. Ken Berry is such an underappreciated talent. He imitated Fred so well. Before this, I didn't know he could sing or dance. I knew he was a great actor, but that's all. I didn't realize how amazing he really is.❤️
He showed us his talents in several episodes of F Troop. Hopefully, you will get a chance to take them in.
In his day, all the actors and actresses had to sing and dance. They were expected to be well-rounded in their profession and the more they could do, the more work was available.
I first recalled Carol Burnett from "Princess and the Pea", and I was truly memorized by her talent and comedic routine. She will reign as one of the all time great comedians the like of which Hollywood will never see again.
The Broadway musical based on "The Princess and the Pea" was called "Once Upon a Mattress" and was Ms. Burnett's first B'way role, I believe.
@@KathleenRocheZujko And it actually began off Broadway and was successful enough to move on up.
quite mesmerizing! Yes!
Me too! Saw it in a an open- air theater in San Diego probably 35- 40 years ago! ❤❤❤
Last role my spouse saw Ms Carol Burnett in was in Better Call Saul. In the end she arrests Saul. Spouse said she had not lost any of her skills in acting (though this role was not a comedy).
Talent like this no longer exists. Good old TV shows.
Ken Berry had more talent than I ever saw in any other show. Sheeesh.
Bob Mackie was probably one of the most UNDERRATED 'Costume Designers' of ALL time!!!!
Would have been a great clip if it had sound with it.
He was not underrated. He was highly acclaimed and won many awards and nominations. Hi bio is fascinating! His designs and ingenuity were wonderful.
Liberty GiveMe I was just marveling at the amazing costumes!
@@carolley9705 I just had to turn mine way up. The songs were great.
He was a leading fashion designer for years....costumes was his 2nd career I believe....
In the «Carol Burnett Show», the care and attentions given to details and costumes showed class and talent from, not only the artists we enjoyed watching, but also the whole crew working in the backstage for the success of each episode. That whole teamwork from all those performers in front and back of the camera, proved the tremendous respect towards the appreciation of the public.
Couldn't agree more. They somehow managed to capture the style of the movies, and it feels like a benevolent parody - not being mean, but a lovely mix of poking fun and admiring. like everybody involved really liked those classic movies.
Bob Mackie did the costumes. He also did the Sonny and Cher show.
Side note - Lucille Ball Arnez was dressed by Dior on her tv show.
I totally agree!
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There will never be another variety show like the Carol Burnett show.
Outstanding! Not only first-rate performances all around (Ken Berry was spot-on) but it's amazing how the writers were able to create songs that both parodied and paid homage to the great Gershwin and Berlin songs of the films. RIP Tim Conway, in a minor part here, but always memorable.
the writer was great pianist Stan Freeman--who later had a long running one man show of Oscar Levant [AT WIT'S END]. He composed songs and Broadway Musicals, too. Stan won an Emmy for this skit for his songs and writing.
She always had stunning outfits in her show. That white gown was amazing and she looked great.
Bob Makie created all the costumes . Also did all of chers
Really captured the 30's look. Also love the art-deco set and set dressing. Even used the camera tricks from that era. Fun stuff.
Another charming touch was the Art Deco typeface used for a "caption.'" It fitted right in with the decor. And the gondola stopping just right to frame the two actors at the table. The double staircase was from "Swing Time," and the feathery costume from "Top Hat," along with the Venice setting. Now I need to watch it again and again to spot all the other references!
@@elainechubb971 the gondolier (I think that was Tim Conway) mentioned "Fred Austerlitz", which was the real name of Fred Astaire.
That lingerie outfit was spot on! 💝
I grew up with this brilliance which is probably why the younger generation don't understand us. Poor things they hav missed so much
The costumes were gorgeous! Love the nostalgia!
This is so impressive... the attention to detail and the quality of the performance.. I'm in awe
Jaime Phillips Ornate set design, costumes, in-sync choreography, and more. You're right, it IS impressive. What a treat to watch in 2020!
Because you won't find entertainment on tv like this today. Not even without political opinions
The ladies dresses are AMAZING💖
Thought I had seen every episode, missed this gem!
I think this is the best thing I've ever seen Ken Barry do, and Roddy was fabulous.
Keet Randling Me too! I thought that I'd seen them all also! This is fun! ❤️ me some Carol Burnett Show! 😊
I second that... great.
Exactly what am thinking. Fabulous !!!
I thought I saw them all too! What a pleasure it was to find this one!
Oh man so many people deserve kudos in this sketch but genuinely I don't see enough props for the lyricists that absolutely nailed the style!
Don't know if you're still an active account here on Utube, but for anyone interested, I totally agree that the lyrics are so spot on. So I looked up the musical arranger for this number, and found out that there were indeed kudos to the people responsible. Here's what it says in IMDb:
Stan Freeman, 1978 Winner - Primetime Emmy, Outstanding Achievement in Special Musical Material
The Carol Burnett Show
For the mini-musical "Hi-Hat" (episode on 8 January 1978)
Shared with: Arthur Malvin
Both men have passed away, but they earned their Emmys by writing one of the most entertaining, classy production numbers on a comedy/variety show I've ever seen. And I grew up with all of them!
Berry perfectly captures Astaire’s walk and mannerisms.
His solo performance during the dance was everything!!!
This was 1-derful, a loving tribute to those elegant Astaire-Rogers classics with the funny touch of Burnett & company !!! Ken Berry was excellent, the camera crew colaborated with his homage to Fred dancing on the wall a la Royal Wedding at 12:15 and Roddy was a perfect Edward Everett Horton. Bob Mackie's beautiful creations on Carol, Vicky and the dancing ladies captured the glamour of the era. Sensational, Great performace by the entire cast, fenomenal writing and directing, lavish production !!!
Blessings from San Juan PR !!!
Fred and Ginger would have loved it. They had me at "getting your garlic blessed..." A great interpretation of Top Hat. Hats off to the writers. Should have been longer though.I enjoyed every minute of it !😁😁😁😀
They saw it. Fred and Ginger were still alive.
Wow ! Im blown away !!! Everyone was Great , But I never new Ken Berry could
Do that , I really miss him .
This particular skit is one of my favorites in the whole Carol Burnett Show; in the latter seasons, Ken Berry and Roddy McDowell appeared just frequently enough that they were semi-regulars.
Having them BOTH with Carol, Vicki, Tim, and Harvey in this skit was absolutely phenomenal.
And McDowell doing Edward Everett Horton was spot on as well
Not sure how I missed this episode. Her shows were great.
The Burnett show gave Americans a real taste of what the theatrical form of Review was really all about. It featured handsomely mounted production number, satirical parody and classic sketch comedy. There will never be another program like it.
Delightful! This was family entertainment, all ages could sit and watch. I do miss the variety shows!
This was from a time when everyone sang, danced and acted, not just sat on their backends and pretended to do something. Ken did a great job imitating Fred Astaire, and Roddy's imitation of Everet Edward Horton was brilliant. Wonder how many times they watched the movies to do that. Miss them very much.
They were wonderful times.
@@caroline4540 so long as you were white...
I’m glad someone else picked up on Roddy’s Horton impersonation.
@@seanmobley2610 Working on your white guilt, there, trust fund baby rebel?
@@bnic9471 Nope. I've worked hard for every penny I have, and since I work in the non-profit sector, where we care about actually helping people as opposed to selling them crap they don't need, trust me...every penny counts. But nice try attempting to make a broad, baseless assumption.
Brilliant all-'round! I think back when I took the talent and brilliance of the Carol Burnett show for granted. I look back now in awe. Ingenious references to a number of Astaire movies, plots, songs and dance moves (including how they were filmed, as in rotating room from "Easter Parade").
You mean 1951 Royal Wedding?
Ken Berry as Astaire was perfect I had never heard of him (Then I am English) but from being 8 years old I saw every Astaire film that was ever made.....I am now 78 how I miss all the Hollywood good old talent , no bad language in those days....xxxxx just pure talent.....xxxxxx
Watching this, one gets the impression that celebrities were much more talented than they are now-a-days. I know Carol was multi-talented. The same w/ Vickie who could sing quite well. Very impressed with Ken Berry. I never knew that he could sing & dance. Roddy McDowell, a very talented actor held his own with the singing. I wonder, who the gondolier was? All in all, there is a load of talent [and a lot of work] sandwiched into that 20 minutes.
Ken Berry was such a cutie and a fine dancer, singer and actor. A very appealing man. R.I.P.
Ken Berry completely shocks me! He really studied the Astaire walk, mannerisms, and vocal styling. I'm super impressed! I had no idea he could sing and dance. I feel now that his talents were very ill-used over the years.
Everyone did a great job! Such fun!
Hevynly1
Apparently, he played Broadway, etc. See his page on Wikipedia. At one time, he was hailed as he next Fred Astaire.
Ken studied dance with Louis DaPron (Donald O'Connor's choreographer) and Al White. And won a talent contest when he was in the Army for his dancing (and singing) talents (in the mid 1950s)...
ruclips.net/video/ud9n2rVcnfc/видео.html
Here is a quote from Ken about his love of Fred Astaires' dancing talents...
"Fred Astaire was my big hero. As Gene Kelly articulated it, 'He's a phenomenon.' No human body has ever been able to move like that. I don't think people now really appreciate that fact--that there has never been a human being who moved like that. I've never seen anything like it in my life and I don't think any of us ever will. I know just enough about dance to know how impossible it is to do what he did. It's a really 'sweat' job, the hard work. When it comes to dance, nobody has ever touched him before or since."
... although I think Ken under-estimated his own talents in that statement as he certainly does come very very close...
tagsrwc.com/the_ebullet/remembering-ken-berry/
@Jenn976 and JC Johnsong: Thanks for sharing that info about Ken Berry I never knew that.
II was also blown away by Berry. Thanks to the folks who provided more info about him. I agree that he was probably very under-appreciated in his time.Also, kudos to everyone who created this brilliant, funny and spot-on spoof of the genre!
I had no idea that Ken Berry could sing and dance. Such a talent!
He really captured Fred Astaire's mannerisms, even to his walk and the little embellishments in his singing! Amazing work!
youtube his tap routine, you'll be amazed!
He was in "Once Upon a Mattress" with Carol.
Ken's wife Jackie Joseph a comedic actress got her start as a dancer. That is how they met, I'm guessing.
Ken Berry came along way too late. He would have been big thirty years earlier.. He was a phenomenal 1930&40's style tapper.
Robert
I may be able to claim distinction as the youngest commenter here who can say: I love Astair and Rogers, all of these impersonations were absolutely spot on, and this show is amazing! I'm 25.
In addition to everyone else's praise for the excellent cast, costumes and set, I have to sing the praises of the writers and choreographers. The dialog, music, lyrics and staging are so clever and spot on. There's a gem in every line for Astaire-Rogers or Berlin fans. Thanks for posting!
The writer/composer was STAN FREEMAN--who won an Emmy for this skit!
What a wonderful show that was. Great costumes, clean jokes, musical numbers and something for every member of the family. Thanks for posting.
And she also broke the color barrier with her guest artists. She was way ahead of her time.
This is not a very healthy love relationship. It starts off with them hating each other, and then she abuses him by hitting him. Then he gets infatuated with her (a form of obsession). Then he sees her in a compromising position with almost no clothes on; this causes her to be scared but then lust after him.
However she is also mad and scared because she thinks he is married and she thinks he is a peeping tom who came in her room on purpose to see her unclothed who wanted to do something like rape her. Then she is really uncomfortable/scared when she sees him again and tries to tell her aunt that she and her aunt are in danger from this "cad" and does not know what to do when the aunt blows her off. So she is confused. Then she gets forced by the aunt to dance with him thinking she's helping him cheat on her aunt which makes her feel guilty and responsible for his behavior even though it would have been his own fault if he actually was a peeping tom and not hers.
She seems to want a monogamous relationship for herself, but it is stated over and over that he is a playboy and she can't expect that. So she agrees to a marriage that she expects to be monogamous even though she is marrying a playboy for the main reason of lust and infatuation and fear.
They don't actually know anything about each other. They have not connected on a spiritual or intellectual level. They do not have romance and they haven't fallen in love. They danced together, but that is still part of a physical relationship. This is a relationship that is doomed because it is not based on love and intellectual compatibility. Humans are not just physical beings with physical desires. There is a lot more to us than that.
Also it is pretty clear that both of them are acting in abusive ways towards each other. Calling each other names is actually a form of verbal abuse. It is bullying. When my bullies called me names at school I didn't make the mistake to think they loved me. I knew they hated me, which they showed with their actions of hitting me, like she hits him, and slamming me into the lockers.
Anyway, I expect if two people like them who already abuse each other have kids, the kids are gonna get violently beaten, like how my grandparents who loved this sort of music and philosophy of life did to me and their own kids. So it really isn't family friendly. True love is though. I have PTSD now and am in therapy because of the domestic violence that seems to have started with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, which was seen by my grandparents and shown to me too on their videos as a model. Once my grandparents saw this verbally and physically abusive model of these tap dancers, they inflicted violence on each other and their own kids which made my mom severely abusive to me, and that didn't stop my grandparents from also abusing me too.
So we need to overcome the old ways of deciding to marry based on fear and lust, and spend years getting to know someone intellectually and emotionally and give ourselves time to fall in love before getting married. I'm also a fan of celibacy before marriage and monogamy in marriage. The playboy lifestyle ends up hurting a lot of women emotionally and physically as well as their kids who have no dad (because he's a deadbeat playboy who could care less if the kids are dead, due to him having so many of them). I'm a fan of staying celibate even if you don't end up marrying anyone. I just really love celibacy. People hate me because of this and have raped me to try and stop me from being celibate. But since rape isn' a choice and celibacy is, I remain celibate and I don't think I lost my celibacy while blood was gushing from me during the rape attacks. Did I lose blood? Yes. Did I lose celibacy? No. I've still got it. I always have had it. :) Respecting people's boundaries like giving them privacy to be alone when their naked or semi-naked because of changing clothes or bathing and not forcing them to dance or be touched or hit is helpful to build a loving relationship. We need to respect each others privacy and bodies. Also, the words we use to build our relationships should be kind and loving, not hateful or judgmental like *all* their words were in the first song. Why be so harsh and cutting when you can uplift and inspire people? This leads to a better society with more love in it and less hate. I think we all want that. :)
@@lemurlover7975 Honey, get yourself some serious therapy lickety-split.
@@lemurlover7975, zzzzzz, you lost me at the bakery..
@@lemurlover7975 I didn't make it through your long comment but I really hope it was meant to be a joke. Otherwise I agree with brunnhilde, you need some help. Quick.
And wow--great outfits!!! And Carol B is gorgeous!!!
What a great Fred Astaire impersonation! Spot on with the mannerisms and voice inflections. I always did like Ken Berry.
What a wonderful production number!
Balanced both homage and parody. Love it!
Ken Berry was truly an excellent song and dance man. The four principles are marvelous in bringing back the feel of the 1930s Astaire-Rogers films.
This was great! And Carol looks absolutely stunning. So talented and beautiful and a million other complementary adjectives.
Ken Berry can certainly croon, I detected a bit of Bing Crosby in his voice. Sick and tired of zombies, blood, guts, and gore on television. Give me good old fashion musicals and I will start going back to the theatre again.
Gloria Hanes
I have not gone to the movies in years. I have the time and money to do it, but don't want to.
Gloria Hanes
This wonderful spoof has inspired me to watch all the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movies!
Me too!
The white Bob Mackie dress in Act III is a perfect send-up of gowns featured in films of that era.
Bob Mackie really outdid himself here.
I read that Fred Astaire hated the original white dress Ginger Rogers wore in Top Hat because it kept shedding feathers during the dance scene, forcing them to keep filming takes in hopes of getting a "clean" one.
That's a makeover of the original "Cheek-to-cheek" dress Ginger wore. Years ago I saw it at the Met Gala. The original does not exist anymore or could not be obtained, but was considered so important for the exhibit it was one of the few that was recreated for the "Romantic and Glamorous Hollywood Design" Exhibit that Diana Vreeland put on. I saw the curtain dress, the Ascot dress worn by Hepburn, the Gilda dress - it was probably the most impressive exhibit I've ever seen in my life put on in 1974 - they have B&W photos on the Metropolitan Museum site if you look for them.The amazing thing is, that most people do NOT know, the original was SKY BLUE, not white. And absolutely breathtaking. It was my favorite dress in the entire exhibit.
Beth Mabee He did in his autobiography; the feathers went up his nose.
Carol was obsessed with Golden Age musicals. She told Vanity Fair this year that her unfulfilled dream was being able to dance like Eleanor Powell. If she had been middle-aged in the great days, she would have been a natural for the parts Edna May Oliver, Charlotte Greenwood or Helen Broderick took.
Gosh! Even the way Roddy McDowell smiles looks like Horton! I’m so blown away with glee!
And of course, Ken Berry masters Astaire incredibly as well!
i absolutely loved the Carol Burnett show when i was a kid. This was an awesome segment. thanks for posting it!
Who knew Ken Berry could sing and dance? Amazing.
The Bob Mackie costumes are even more amazing now than when I watched this as first run on tv a looong time ago.
Oh, those were the days. I remember shows like hers on TV all the time, and they were fabulous. Too bad that time is gone, never to return. Thanks for bringing this back, even if you published it in 2012 and I'm just seeing it now, nearly six years later.
Roddy McDowell did a spot on Edward Everett Horton, the male companion and/or manager to Astair in so many of these movies. I always knew Ken Barry was a dancer but had no idea he could do Astaire so brilliantly. Loved the Carol Burnett show, she was brilliant herself.
Omg! I absolutely love this! Grew up with Carol. Amazing show and talent!!
Brilliant comedic talent all of them. Creative, innovative, genuine genius. Funny and clean!Can't seem to find that anywhere anymore.
Such lucky people who were the live audience this night.
What a great skit! Ken Berry has never been better. The songs were cute as a new born puppy! And Carol really showed her range! She kept up with Ken.
For those who don't know... Ken Berry was a dancer first, then an actor. He was born a few decades too late. He's awesome!.
I just love how much work everybody i this show must have invested to create such a good imitation - the (excuse for a) plot, the choice of characters, the set, and of course the dancing are spot on.
The beauty of it isn't just that it makes it that much more entertaining. It also shows love and respect for the originals; it's both a spoof and a homage.
I only wish the Fred & Ginger films were coloured as in this show. All those glorious ladies' fashions just in black & white. Only praise for the dancing and singing though!
Ken Berry!! Yay old Ken was a song and dance man...also Captain Parmenter from my childhood
Wow, I thought Berry WAS Astaire when I saw him! Amazing.
Love Roddy Mc Dowall...extraordinary video!
Roddy McDowell does a good Edward Everett Horton impersonation.
No surprise there. He did everything well.
Superb!
Had the HUGEST crush on him! He was FABULOUS!
Yes! You could immediately tell who he was playing 😆
Love Rodney! 🎈
Such a great talent. Carol Burnett wowwwww
This is Delightful.
I miss these shows.
Carol Burnette is Everything.
Fantastic! So much talent! So much fun!
McDowall's Edward Everett Horton is flawless. ...and seemingly under appreciated.
Thank you!! 😄 Berry rightfully applauded, but I loved seeing Roddy do an EEH turn.
Ken Berry is outstanding as Fred Astaire. He has his moves.
I don't remember ever seeing this episode, and it's hilarious! Thanks for posting.
Fantastic ! One of my favorite Fred & Ginger movies ......TOP HAT...hilarious. ken Berryis quite the dancer here (who knew)?? Back in the day when women really knew how to dress w finesse. I've been to Venice many times ( but never thought to have my garlic blessed in San Marco Square) i really enjoyed this, thanks for sharing, now I got to go show all my friends,
Growing up I loved Carol's show , watched it every week. What great entertainment she provided.
Don’t you just love this clip and the tap dance
I miss TV and movies that make you smile and laugh to forget about your troubles. Thank you Carol and Company
Bravo! Fantastic! I watched just about every Fred Astaire movie available with my elderly, 96 year old client last summer. This spoof was perfect!
christine robinson Check out Mary Lou.by the Creative Force, amazing
I'm actually quite jealous of your wonderful situation! I hope your client is still with us; but if not, you at least have some terrific memories! 🙂
Wow! That was great! I never saw that episode...I always liked Ken Berry, but I didn't know he made such a good crooner! Great dancer, too! It was nice to see Roddy McDowell, too! Nicely choreographed, as always Carol and Vicki were fantastic! Everyone did GREAT! Thanks for the video😀
This “Fred Astaire “ is great 👍
This is one of my all time favorite Carol Burnett movie parodies.
McDowell's take on Edward Everett Horton's character was brilliant.
And Vicki did a great job as Aunt Hortense!
my very first thought. barely a minute in :)
Haven't seen this before. Recognized Edward Everett Horton imitation immediately!
He did it perfectly!
Absolutely incredible performance by the entire cast !
Oh, were we lucky to enjoy seeing talents like these? This delightful work...the talents of all (particularly the gifted Ken Berry), and even the 'knock-off songs (no small feat) are a joy. The 'good old days' paying homage to the REAL 'good old days'!!!!!
Ken Barry was a great talent!
I've seen hen-house eggs that were not as fresh as you. LOL Oh man...classic.
This was great! Thanks for the upload.
I think Carol Burnett looks a lot like Kate Goslin with that hair style. Especially with her wide eyed gazes at the camera. Of course, Burnett has talent to go along with the looks.
Ken Berry to was also a terrific talent. I’ve always enjoyed his singing and dancing. Wow!
Je viens de passer un excellent moment ! Hilarant et d'une qualité sans égale, un plaisir pour les amoureux de Fred et Ginger. Je découvre le génie de Carole Burnett et de toute l'équipe qui l'entourait, incroyable !
I loved the Bob Mackie dresses and costumes she wore. I don't know how much distortion is involved but she Carol looks 6'2" in that blue suit. I love it.
I also never knew Berry was a hoofer.
What real talent looks like.
Ken Berry looks great. What a hotty!
Difficult to find men like him, today.
Hilarious, yet classy!
Just heard Tim Conway passed away a few days ago. Rest in Peace, Mr. Conway. I love Ken Berry in this. He is amazing. I never knew. I remember him from Mayberry.
Huge Carol Burnett fan and top hat is my favorite movie of all time. I have no memory of this episode though. My eyes about popped when it came up and I saw the description. How cool that they chose to create this piece as a tribute to this amazing era in film and this perfect film in particular. Roddy McDowell had the Horace character down cold... and I also had no idea Ken Berry had those skills. And of course the duo of Vicki and Carol - amazing as always. Thanks for sharing this great clip!
I smiled as soon as I saw Tim Conway. Couldn't help it. And then the rest of it, the lovely dancing - wow! Really had style!
THANK YOU so much for bringing us this great memory! I've been watching some of these episodes and can't laugh any harder. Carol Burnett and all cast members ARE just so fabulous, so called "funny" shows now are simply NOT!
This was great, entertaining, funny to watch. FIrst there's Carol Burnett... she acts, she sings, she dances and she's funny. Tim Conway... he acts and does pratfalls, imitation, and is really funny , has great comic timing, one liners and punchlines. Vicky Lawrence.... She acts, she sings, she dances, and is a commediane, also does great deadpan acting. Ken Berry.... I didn't even know this about him.....he acts, he sings, he dances, and he's a commedian. I've never until now have seen him sing and dance. He's pretty good. He did a good job emulating Fred Astaire, his voice, his posture, I can't say enough. I watched the Carol Burnett show forever and I've never seen this skit before. Kudos. Im going to watch it again.....